We got home day before yesterday from another wild weekend of dance competitions. I believe the other mothers lovingly refer to the way I feel as a "competition hangover". We headed out of town to a much nicer slower town for this go round. I braved this trip w/ both girls and I was so glad it worked out. Chloe did great with minimal meltdowns. She really enjoyed being involved and only melted when she couldn't be more involved. Her worst when she slipped out from under my view and followed her sister on stage for awards. Luckily the other mom's were watching and they grabbed her in time much to Chloe's dismay. She loved watching her sister's "show" and the 3 of us had a blast together darting too and fro to keep up literally shedding bobby pins in our wake.
I was so proud of our dance school. I saw for the first time the intensity of some of these other big schools and the skill and money they have at their fingertips. Huge logo covered rigs and teams of men to move props around. Some tiny kids doing olympic looking gymnastics with their dancing. Wow. It blew me away and Abigail too. Our little school w/ 4 teachers held their own though!! We took plenty of awards and especially our seniors did wonderful compared to the talent we were up against. Abigail's groups did really well too. We were so proud of them. Abigail was elated to get 2 medals to keep. I was pleased to be getting better at the whole process, and it is a process let me tell you. Abigail is getting more used to it too. We've learned to be comfortable being a part of a lot of crazy faces, lipstick and screams from parents next to us shouting "WERK GIRLS" !!
I must say, it is a rush to watch her in this world. She really is humble thing (I've worked hard to stress that) but she gets in this world and she pops those lips out like the rest of them. She loves to perform, not be watched but to perform. Proof in years past where she danced on empty stages with no music playing, never once looking up to see who was watching her. It's just in her. These kids look sassy but Abigail really has some good kids to look up to. The faces and attitude are there for the cameras but I am learning these kid's parents and we all seem to keep most of these kids grounded and realistic. Sure, there are some that are perpetual eye rollers and back talk their mom's horribly. I just tell Abigail behind the scenes "don't ever try talking like that to me", she knows that won't fly in our house. My own mama taught me that! :) Even the teens, they are so sweet to the little ones and know they are role models for them. I sat next to their parents and just watched and listened in the audience. I do that a lot to know what we've gotten into. I'm so protective of my kids so we don't enter into this lightly. I purposefully sit and wait on Abigail's classes sometimes just to eaves drop in the waiting room. I do this to listen and learn what's behind the scenes. I have to say most of the time I'm really pleased with most of these kids and families.
The school pushes respect and good character from everyone. I love when I see it in practice at these competitions. We are all equally sensitive to criticism that we are now "dance mom's" and what reality TV has done to that reputation. Well, screw that. These mom's are amazing. They love their kids and support them just like soccer sidelines. Our athletes just happen to wear funny outfits and stage make up! They work every bit as hard as any other sport, even harder and we love watching them shine in their element!! I'm proud to be a part of this world despite the criticism. Abigail has bounced on her bottom to music since she wore a diaper. I have video of her at 6 months old popping off the floor in excitement when she heard a good beat! She is where she belongs and she glows with joy in it. If anyone had ever seen her with a soccer or basket ball they would agree, dancing is where she belongs! [and insert proud mom, she's doing really well in it] :)
Me and these girls had a blast of a trip together. We missed our Brian but next time he's supposed to be able to come with us. He he he! I giggle with delight to think how he'll handle all the sequined glitter and divas he'll be immersed in! My sweet soldier, he doesn't know what's coming! This go round was just a girl trip and we rocked it. I will treasure hotel nights with pizza delivery and Mary Poppins together. I just eat up these memories and love sharing this with them.
I have designated a verse for each weekend, teaching it to Abigail to draw strength under pressure. I love quoting our power verses together to keep Christ in our competitive endeavors. Don't let legalism fool you, Jesus loves music! Abigail is learning so much about winning and losing, fear and pressures, humility and healthy pride and esteem. It's a work out as a mom to teach it all in balance but I welcome the challenge. Our nation as a whole is taking the turn that shuns victory and welcomes equality in a way that eliminates important lessons. There should be conflict, competition, winners and losers. Kids need to learn what winning and failure feel like!! Life brings both. I wrote my old cheer leading coach when we got home from our last trip. I thanked her for teaching me how to mix Christianity and athletics. I'm using those lessons now to keep Abigail grounded. Funny how we take things for granted as kids then realize who to thank as we age :)
We will do this all again in another month. Abigail is so excited to hit the road again. I love watching her set goals and be excited for more pressure. She has to feel good to get through it. I know I do!
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